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Page 184
Chapter Ten
In the next two weeks, Alinor became convinced she had made a good investment in Sir Guy. One reason was that Ian did not come as she had expected, and this fact occupied her mind to such a degree that she found it hard to give proper attention to the children. Joanna was not really a problem. Alinor kept her daughter so busy overseeing the wedding preparations that Joanna had no time to do anything except ask for instruction and then turn to her task. It was a happy solution for everyone. Joanna was enjoying herself in her new position of authority and was gaining invaluable experience, while the maids and menservants were somewhat shielded from Alinor's temper.
Adam would have borne the brunt of his mother's impatience if not for the advent of Sir Guy. The young knight was charged with exercising the child in arms and horsemanship. Of course, both child and tutor were discreetly watched at every moment. Alinor was almost certain of Sir Guy's integrity, but she was taking no chances with her son's safety. Properly safeguarded, Adam was out from under her feet and was learning skills that were necessary to him in company more suitable than that of the men-at-arms. Alinor realized that Sir Guy was not of Simon's or Ian's caliber, but there were years in which to polish Adam's performance. The basics he was learning from Sir Guy were sound.
On November 20th, a large troop of horsemen were reported coming from the west. Alinor was fit to be tied. The guests had started to arrive and her soon-to-be husband was still, for a purpose Alinor mistakenly believed

 
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